C. J. Milbrandt

I'm going to be perfectly honest and admit that Ganix is my least favorite Johns brother (I think its the cockiness....actually I know its the cockiness) and the one I sort of struggled to want to read about the most. He has a very carefree "it'll work out don't worry" attitude.

What I did appreciate was that Milbrandt gave us glimpses of the kid that he is - he's younger then his brothers and somewhat more sheltered (being the youngest, with a mother who spoils him and a charmer so people feel less inclined to be upset with him) as well as naive. He gets an easy headstart because, and this is a guess here, he doesn't really involve himself in anything in the waypoint towns.

Oh he makes friends easily at each stop, but unlike Ewan who can't help but feel protective and Zane who has Jovan to keep him from becoming too isolated, Ganix is treating this as a lark and a party. A fun adventure for him to race through and be able to say "look see!" as the youngest (and smallest) of the Johns brothers.

It did make his story a quick one to read through as he becomes embroiled in a minor caper that ends well (I would have liked more information about these talking stones though please). Honestly its his next book ([b:Across the Line: A Ganix Johns Adventure|28204497|Across the Line A Ganix Johns Adventure|C.J. Milbrandt|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1452208602l/28204497._SX50_.jpg|45498132] that I'm REALLY interested in as it looks like he backs him into an action he can't easily solve.… (mais)

Ah Bree was definitely a good choice for a third companion for Zane and Jovan, as she proves herself quite...adaptable when it comes to Zane's moods. This is a quieter tale in ways as Milbrandt teases more about Jovan's history, gives us a glimpse of the kind of protective person Zane is and expands on some of how people live in that part of the world.

I believe soon some of the brothers meet up for their first common waypoint, so I wonder how they will be? Has their time away from each other changed them enough to smooth out some of the rough edges of their relationship? Will they share the adventures they've had and the people they've met?

Also friends I agree with Zane, way too much pink. Pink as far as the eye can see! Who wants that much pink in their life??… (mais)

As I begin the second leg of the Johns brothers race (having followed Ewan originally), I'm tickled pink (Zane would hate that) to catch all the NJ references in Zane's journey.

There are a lot! I wonder if Milbrandt ever visited? Jersey sounds a lot cooler to visit then uh it is at times.

We meet Brielle Trenton, better known as Bree, a lady blacksmith that stands toe to toe with Zane (to Jovan's amusement). She's been preparing to go West where maybe she can have a forge of her own where folk won't judge her, but hasn't left...until the Johns show up.

While Ewan has my heart, Zane has got my number. Folk making a fuss is decidedly uncomfortable. Bossy folk are too.

I do like that for a split second Zane wonders if he and his brothers could accomplish great things together...to then realize little sisters are a pain.… (mais)